PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

[rnorman3]

Hi all, while mounting a kicker bracket I want to use some material as a backing plate behind the transom to spread out the forces of the bolts. What should I use? Maybe 1" thick Teflon or PTFE, something else even? What have others used?

Thanks!

 

[rnorman3]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

Lol,. just realized Teflon is a brand name for PTFE..duh, anyways, is that the best thing to use?

 

[LongLine]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

Aluminum plate, about 1/4" thick and some big fender washers. I'd also suggest you double nut them with the second being a lock nut. (i.e. nylon insert)

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[rnorman3]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

Thanks Longline, I was going to use aluminum but seen bunch of guys using thick 1" thick teflon plate. Teflon is strong and not as rigid as aluminum so I thought it might better spread the load, especially on the inner side of the transom where the fiberglass may be bumpy and uneven. I will definitely do the double nut thing and huge washers though.

Thanks!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.



Well, Teflon is expensive. When I made this kicker bracket I used delrin. I used to work in slaughterhouses and the delrin cutting boards were resurfaced a couple of times then thrown away so it was cheap. For backing, on my cuddy I used a couple of extra-thick fender washers. That is plenty. If you want overkill, a plate of .080 thick hard aluminum will do. This is what I use to back up all my cleats and chocks. In fact, I use it to reinforce my transoms as shown in the first photo and it is more than sufficient. Do not use diamondplate--it is relatively soft.

 

[gm280]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

On all my larger and smaller outboards I always use 1/2" aluminum plates simply because I had it on hand and custom made them to fit. It will absolutely spread the torque forces out all across the transom and not dig into the fiberglass or aluminum hull material either way. Also use stainless steel bolts washers and nuts too. But others have used different materials with no problems as well...

 

[64osby]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

A kicker and bracket will not put much strain on a good transom.

SS fender washers would be fine. Use some 1/8 alum plate if you really want but it's not necessary.

 

[robert graham]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

Cutting board material is very cheap and available in various thicknesses at stores like Walmart, etc....pretty good raw material for your application....

 

[Texasmark]

Re: PTFE or Teflon to mount bracket.

Glad you caught that before I did. Alum as long line stated is probably your best bet. Teflon would be too soft.

Mark